Torii Hunter Turned Down 3/45 Offer

According to Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the Twins offered Torii Hunter a contract a few weeks ago for three years and $45MM. Ken Rosenthal had reported it as a four-year, $56MM offer, which Hunter denied. One source of Rosenthal’s had indicated that the bare minimum hunter might accept is 5/75. Christensen, however, says Hunter is after a deal like the 5/70 J.D. Drew ended up with. If so, Hunter is being plenty fair with his demand.

Indeed, Hunter’s main concern is the length of the contract. If he’s coming in at five years and the Twins at three, maybe they can arrive at four. I could actually see a 4/56 contract as the Twins’ last and best offer. But Hunter has talked about not wanting to take a discount and a "burning curiosity" to see what’s on the open market. He seems likely to leave the Twins.

As far as Hunter’s next team, Ken Rosenthal has speculated on the Yankees, Phillies, Braves, Padres, Rockies, Giants, White Sox, and Rangers.